A CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT-BASED DISINFECTION DEVICE

Abstract

The invention provides a control device for controlling an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device arranged at a disinfection location, wherein the control device comprises: a user interface comprising a user interface element, wherein the user interface element is configured to control an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device by providing a degree of control in controlling said operational parameter; a controller configured to: (i) determine a spatial relation of the control device relative to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device and/or the disinfection location, and to (ii) change the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter based on said spatial relation.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device arranged at a disinfection location, wherein the control device is a portable device, wherein the control device comprises: a user interface comprising a user interface element, wherein the user interface element is configured to control an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device by providing a degree of control in controlling said operational parameter; a controller configured to: (i) determine a spatial relation of the control device relative to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device and/or the disinfection location, and to (ii) change the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter based on said spatial relation; wherein the spatial relation is a distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter when the distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location increases.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to change the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter to a reduced degree of control when the distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location is above a first threshold distance and/or below a second threshold distance.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the second threshold distance is smaller than the first threshold distance.

5. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the reduced degree of control comprises limiting the user interface element to a limited set of values or options for controlling said operational parameter.

6. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the reduced degree of control comprises fully disabling the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter.

7. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the reduced degree of control comprises adapting a graphical representation of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter.

8. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the reduced degree of control comprises adapting a size of the user interface element.

9. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a receiver for receiving a wireless signal; wherein the wireless signal comprises an indicator indicative of the distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location; wherein the controller is configured to determine a distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location based on said indicator.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the indicator comprises at least one of: a signal strength, distance data, location information.

11. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is a touchscreen display.

12. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device comprises one of: an on/off condition; a spectral distribution of light; a type of ultraviolet light; a light intensity; a duration of UV-light emittance; a beam width; a beam direction.

13. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface element comprises a button, a rotary knob, or a slider.

14. A method of controlling a ultraviolet light-based disinfection device arranged at a disinfection location with a control device, wherein the control device is a portable device; wherein the control device comprises an user interface comprising a user interface element, wherein the user interface element is configured to control an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device by providing a degree of control in controlling said operational parameter; wherein the method comprises: (i) determining a spatial relation of the control device relative to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device and/or the disinfection location, and to (ii) changing the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter based on said spatial relation; wherein the spatial relation is a distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location.

15. A system comprising an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device arranged at a disinfection location and a control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is arranged to control the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The invention will now be further elucidated by means of the schematic non-limiting drawings:

[0072] FIG. 1 depicts schematically an embodiment of a system comprising a control device and an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device according to the invention;

[0073] FIG. 2 depicts schematically an operation of the control device of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

[0074] FIG. 3 depicts schematically an operation of the control device of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

[0075] FIG. 4 depicts schematically an operation of the control device of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

[0076] FIG. 5 depicts schematically a user interface according to the invention;

[0077] FIG. 6 depicts schematically an embodiment of a system comprising a control device and an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device according to the invention;

[0078] FIG. 7 depicts schematically a method according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0079] Ultraviolet (UV) light-based disinfection devices require improved safety measures. Ultraviolet light may namely be dangerous to people and/or animals, even though it provides a germicidal effect and is very useful for disinfection. As such ultraviolet light-based disinfection device may be remotely controlled, it may be dangerous to allow a user, which is too remote to the disinfection device and/or the associated disinfection location, control of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device, because such a remote user may not oversee the disinfection device and/or the associated disinfection location. Similarly, it may be dangerous to enable control of an ultraviolet disinfection device, when a user is too close by to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device and/or the associated disinfection location.

[0080] All in all, a clear need exists to improve the safety of UV light-based disinfection devices, in particular for domestic (non-professional) users. It would also be more convenient to control the UV light-based disinfection device remotely, with improved safety.

[0081] The present invention addresses this problem by proposing a control device, wherein a user interface element controlling an operational parameter of an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device to a degree of control is changed in the degree of control based on a spatial relation of the control device relative to the disinfection device and/or disinfection location.

[0082] FIG. 1 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a system 100 according to the invention. The system 100 comprises a control device 10 according to the invention and an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 according to the invention. The control device 10 is configured to control the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20.

[0083] The control device 10 is a portable device. For example, a smartphone. Alternatively, the control device may be one of, or be part of one of: a wearable device, a smartwatch, a smartphone, smart glasses, an AR Headset, a tablet, a remote control, a switch, a laptop.

[0084] The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 is arranged at a disinfection location 21. Here, the disinfection location is a room. The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device is, in operation, disinfecting said room. The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device may for example be a lighting device or luminaire, such as a table lamp, ceiling luminaire, or upper-air disinfection luminaire. Alternatively, said disinfection location may be any other space or enclosure, which is to be disinfected by the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device.

[0085] The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 further comprises a light source (not explicitly depicted) for emitting ultraviolet light 22. The ultraviolet light 22 is operated according to an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20. Here, the operational parameter is ultraviolet light intensity, but alternatively the operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device may comprise one of: an on/off condition; a spectral distribution of light; a type of ultraviolet light; a light intensity; a duration of UV-light emittance; a beam width; a beam direction. The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device may further optionally comprise optics for managing/controlling the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source. Said optics may e.g. be lenses, diffractors, reflectors, light guides, etc.

[0086] The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 further comprises a receiver 23 (or: transceiver) for receiving a control signal to operate the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 according to said operational parameter. Said control signal is conveyed to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 from the control device 10, which conveying may comprise the control device 10 either directly transmitting said control signal or conveying said control signal via an intermediate device or node, such as a server or router. Here, the transceiver 23 is a wireless receiver, but it may alternatively be a receiver operating via a wired communication modality. The wireless receiver may e.g. operate according to the wireless modality of: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF, ZigBee, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, 4G, 5G and/or UWB.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 1, the control device 10 comprises a transmitter 15 for conveying a control signal to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20. Said transmitter may alternatively be a transceiver, thereby also having a receiving capability. Such a transceiver may thus contain a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter 15 is a radiofrequency transmitter, but may alternatively operate with the mentioned wireless modalities of: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF, ZigBee, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, 4G, 5G and/or UWB.

[0088] The control device 10 further comprises a user interface 11 and a controller 14. Here, the user interface 11 is a touchscreen display, but may alternatively be an analogue, physical, or mechanical, user interface. The user interface 11 comprises a user interface element 12. The user interface element 12 controls an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 by providing a degree of control in controlling said operational parameter. Alternatively phrased, said user interface element 12 may be configured to set a value of the operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 and to change a degree of control in setting said operational parameter.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the operational parameter, as mentioned, is ultraviolet light intensity. In the present embodiment, the user interface element 12 is a slider. The user interface element provides a degree of control 13, namely a range (or: set) of intensity values that is selectable by the slider 12. This range (or: set) may initially be 0% to 100%. Hence, the degree of control 13 may be 0% to 100%.

[0090] Alternatively, said user interface element may comprise one of: a button, a rotary knob, a switch, a menu, a drop-down list, a button array, a color wheel, or a selectable color space, or an option switch. For example, the user interface may be an analogue or physical user interface with an array of buttons, and the user interface element may be the array of buttons (e.g. a plus and minus button to respectively increase and decrease light intensity), or a single button of say array of buttons.

[0091] Moreover, the control device 10 comprises the transmitter 15. The transmitter 15 conveys a control signal to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 for controlling said operational parameter. Here, said conveying is transmitting the control signal to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20. The controller 14 is configured to control the transmitter 15 to output, i.e. transmit, said control signal based on a user selection of said user interface element 12, namely the selection being to a degree of control 13.

[0092] Still referring to FIG. 1, the controller 14 is configured to determine a spatial relation of the control device 10 relative to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 and/or the disinfection location 21. In the present embodiment, said spatial relation is distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21, though it may also be relative to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20. This distance 30 may be defined as the shortest distance between the control device 10 and the disinfection location 21. Alternatively, said spatial relation may for example be a line-of-sight condition or a location classification (such as room type or room ID).

[0093] The control device 10 may determine said spatial relation, i.e. said distance 10, as follows. In the present embodiment, the control device 10 comprises a receiver 16. The receiver 16 and the transmitter 15 may in examples be embodied in a single transceiver. Hence, in alternative aspects, the control device may comprise a transceiver comprising said transmitter and said receiver. The receiver 16 is arranged for receiving a wireless signal, wherein the wireless signal comprises an indicator indicative of the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21. The wireless signal is thereby a radiofrequency signal. The controller 14 is then configured to determine said distance of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 based on said indicator. Here, the indicator comprised in the wireless signal is distance data. Moreover, the control device 10 receives said distance data from a further device, which is here a localization system, that tracks and knows the location of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21. For example, the localization system may be a positioning system, an asset tracking system, etc. In embodiments, not depicted, the system according to the invention may include such a further device, as said localization system.

[0094] Alternative options and/or embodiments may similarly be envisioned. For example, the control device 10 may comprise a location determination unit to determine the indicator itself, which indicator is being used to determine the distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location. The location determination unit may e.g. be a GPS antenna, which determines a GPS location of the control device and compares this to a predefined location of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device and/or the disinfection location. Other localization modalities, i.e. other than GPS, such as Wi-Fi, VLC, and/or BLE enabled localization, may similarly be envisioned.

[0095] The location determination unit may also be a radiofrequency transceiver, or receiver, so as to determine the distance of the control device relative to the disinfection device via signal strength measurements. Said signal strength may be RSSI. Hence, the indicator may be signal strength. Said radiofrequency transceiver may yet alternatively receive location information from another device, such as a positioning system or presence sensor, such that the controller may compute said distance from this location information.

[0096] Yet alternatively, said receiver may be a Li-Fi receiver, a VLC receiver, an IR receiver, a camera, or a microphone.

[0097] Still referring to FIG. 1, the controller 14 is configured to change the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter based on said spatial relation. Namely, the controller changes the degree of control 13, i.e. the range (or: set) of intensity values that is selectable by the slider 12, based on the determined spatial relation. This changing function is explained in more detail according to one example in FIG. 2 and according to another example in FIG. 3. An alternative, or additional, exemplar operation is provided in FIG. 4.

[0098] FIG. 2 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an operation of the control device 10 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 according to the invention. Namely, in this exemplar embodiment and operation, in terms of distance of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21, the control device 10 is being moved further away from the disinfection location 21. More specifically, the control device 10 is moved from a first location 1 at a first distance 1, to a further second location 2 at a second distance 2, to a further third location 3 at a third distance 3 relative to the disinfection location 21. Hence, the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 increases in this exemplar embodiment.

[0099] Still referring to FIG. 2, the controller 14 of the control device 10 is gradually reducing the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter when the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 increases. Namely, as depicted, at the first distance 1 and/or first location 1, the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter is the full range of 0% to 100% ultraviolet light intensity, which is selectable by the slider 12. Namely, as depicted, at the second distance 2 and/or second location 2, the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter is a limited range of 0% to 60% ultraviolet light intensity, which is selectable by the slider 12. Namely, as depicted, at the third distance 3 and/or third location 3, the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter is a limited range of 0% to 10% ultraviolet light intensity, which is selectable by the slider 12.

[0100] Even further, in further aspects, at an even further fourth distance (not depicted), the degree of control may be zero. This may mean that the user interface element does not provide any degree of control of the operational parameter at such a fourth distance from the disinfection location. The user interface element may for example be disabled (in controlling said operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device).

[0101] Hence, alternatively phrased, the user interface element may be configured to set the value of the operational parameter and change a degree of control in setting said operational parameter, i.e. e.g. configured to set a value between 0-100% as degree of control and change this degree of control to a value range to e.g. 0-60%.

[0102] As a result, referring to FIG. 2, the controller 14 of the control device 10 is configured to gradually reduce (or: decrease, or: reduce) the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter when the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 increases. Here, as partly mentioned, the reducing of said degree of control 13 comprises limiting the user interface element 12 to a limited set of values for controlling said operational parameter.

[0103] Alternatively, said reducing may comprise limiting the user interface element 12 to a limited set of options for controlling said operational parameter, and/or fully disabling the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter, and/or adapting a graphical representation of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter. Said disabling may also comprise disabling the processing of a voice control user input, when said user interface element is a voice control input element. Said adapting the graphical representation may, in case of a GUI be for example: greying out a graphical representation of the user interface element, or rendering a strikethrough, or adapting the dimensions of the user interface element, e.g. making the user interface element smaller while distance between the control device and the disinfection location and/or said disinfection device increases. Yet alternatively, said reduced degree of control may comprise fully disabling the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter. Yet alternatively, said reduced degree of control may comprise adapting a graphical representation of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter.

[0104] FIG. 3 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an operation of the control device 10 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 according to the invention. Namely, in this exemplar embodiment and operation, the control device 10 may be located at various locations 32, 33 in space, wherein each respective location is at a certain distance 30 relative to the disinfection location 21.

[0105] Still referring to FIG. 3, the controller 14 of the control device 10 is configured to change the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter to a reduced degree of control 18 when the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 is above a first threshold distance 31.

[0106] As partly mentioned before, a user may control the operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 by manipulating the user interface element 12 of the control device 10, wherein the user interface element 12 provides a certain degree of control 13, 18 for said manipulation, and in thereby controlling said operational parameter. However, said degree of control 13 is changed to a reduced degree of control 18 when the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 is above the first threshold distance 31. Here, the first threshold distance is ten meter, but may alternatively be any other value, such as e.g. one meter, two meter, five meter, hundred meter, one kilometer, at least ten meter. Here, the first threshold distance is predefined and stored in the controller, but may alternatively be obtained from another source. For example, the controller may obtain said threshold distance from a remote server, or e.g. the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device itself. The first threshold distance may alternatively also be determined based on the operational parameter to control. Hence, operational parameters that may classify as riskier when controlled (for example the intensity of ultraviolet (e.g. UV-C) light comprises much risk to humans and animals when controlled), may provide a lower first threshold distance than operational parameters that are classified relatively as less risky (for example, the beam width).

[0107] More specifically, still referring to FIG. 3, as the user interface element is a slider 12, which is rendered on the user interface 11, the degree of control 13, 18 is a range (or: set) of intensity values that is selectable by the slider 12. When the control device 10 is at a first location 32, which is below the first threshold distance 31, the controller 14 is configured to control the user interface 11 to render the user interface element 12 providing the degree of control 13. Here, the degree of control 13 is a selectable range of intensity values between 0% and 100% with the slider 12. When the control device 10 is at a second location 33, which is above the first threshold distance 31, the controller 14 is configured to control the user interface 11 to render the user interface element 12 providing the reduced degree of control 18. Here, the reduced degree of control 18 is a selectable range of intensity values between 0% and 20% with the slider 12. Other value ranges of the degree of control and the reduced degree of control may be envisioned similarly.

[0108] Alternatively, said user interface element may comprise at least one of: a button, a switch, a menu, a rotary knob, a drop-down list, a color wheel, a button array, an option switch, a switch, a voice input element. Alternatively, said reduced degree of control may comprise limiting the user interface element to a limited set of options for controlling said operational parameter. For example, provided that the user interface element providing the degree of control is an array of three buttons, respectively indicative of controlling the operational parameter of UV-A, UV-B, UV-C radiation of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device, the reduced degree of control may only be a single button with e.g. UV-A radiation. Such UV-A radiation may be less harmful to people and animals compare to UV-C. Hence, according to the invention, the reduced degree of control, may be proportionally reduced in relation to the risk or danger of the operational parameter to be controlled with the user interface element.

[0109] Still referring to the embodiment and options depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. It may be undesired and a safety risk to allow a user to control the control device 10 when the control device 10 is too far away from disinfection location 21, and/or the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20, because such a user may control a dangerous disinfection device 20 without being near said disinfection device 20 and without being able to assess or monitor the corresponding disinfection location 21.

[0110] Therefore, since the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling the operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 is made dependent on said spatial relation of distance, the control device according to the present invention may dynamically change the degree of control 13 of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20, when the control device 10 is too far away from the UV-disinfection device 20 and/or disinfection location 21. This renders an improved safety measure, or advantageously introduces a safety constraint to the control device 10. Hence, the embodiment and options depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are advantageous.

[0111] However, on the other hand, it may be a safety risk to allow a user to control a control device, for example the control device 10 as depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, when such a control device 10 is too close to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 and/or disinfection location 21. Therefore, this problem may additionally or alternatively be addressed by a control device according to the invention.

[0112] FIG. 4 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an additional or alternative operation of the control device 10 of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3 according to the invention. Namely, in this exemplar embodiment and operation, the control device 10 may be located at various locations 34, 35 in space, wherein each respective location is at a certain distance 30 relative to the disinfection location 21.

[0113] Still referring to FIG. 4, the controller (not depicted) of the control device 10 is configured to change the degree of control 13 of the user interface element 12 in controlling said operational parameter to a reduced degree of control 19 when the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 is below a second threshold distance 39. This operation of the controller may be an alternative to the operation of the controller of the embodiments and options depicted in FIGS. 1-3, but may also be in addition thereto.

[0114] As partly mentioned before, a user may control the operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 by manipulating the user interface element 12 of the control device 10, wherein the user interface element 12 provides a certain degree of control 13, 19 for said manipulation, and in thereby controlling said operational parameter. However, said degree of control 13 is changed to a reduced degree of control 19 when the distance 30 of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location 21 is below the second threshold distance 39. The second threshold distance may for example be one of: one meter, five meter, ten meter.

[0115] More specifically, as the user interface element is a slider 12, which is rendered on the user interface 11, the degree of control 13, 19 is a range (or: set) of intensity values that is selectable by the slider 12. When the control device 10 is at a first location 35, which is above the second threshold distance 39, the controller 14 is configured to control the user interface 11 to render the user interface element 12 providing the degree of control 13. Here, the degree of control 13 is a selectable range of intensity values between 0% and 100% with the slider 12. When the control device 10 is at a particular location 34, which is below the second threshold distance 39, the controller 14 is configured to control the user interface 11 to render the user interface element 12 providing the reduced degree of control 19. Here, the reduced degree of control 18 is fully disabling the slider 12, or only allowing the 0% intensity value to be selectable by the slider 12.

[0116] Alternatively, the controller may also adapt a graphical representation of said slider at the reduced degree of control. For example, the slider may be greyed-out, such that a user is prompted not to use said slider, as the visibility of the slider is made different or more difficult. Similarly, the controller may adapt a size of the graphical representation of the slider.

[0117] All in all, referring to FIG. 4, as less control of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 20 is allowed when the control device 10, and associated user thereof, is closer to the disinfection location 21, and more when further away from the disinfection location 21, it is be prevented that a too close-by user may cause a risk of accidents or dangerous situations at the disinfection location 21 and hence to the user itself.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in embodiments, the second threshold distance 39 may be smaller than the first threshold distance 31, i.e. the second threshold distance is (located) closer to the disinfection location than the first threshold distance 31. Here, the first threshold distance 31 and/or the second threshold distance 39 are predefined. For example, the first threshold distance 31 and/or the second threshold distance 39 may be stored in the controller 14 or a memory associated with the controller, such that the controller 14 may determine the first threshold distance 31 and/or the second threshold distance 19 without needing to receive or retrieve the first threshold distance 31 and/or the second threshold distance 39 from another source. Alternatively, the controller may obtain, receive, or retrieve said first threshold distance and/or said second threshold distance from another source, such as a further device, or a Building Information Model, which may e.g. store commissioning information where the UV light-based disinfection device is installed, and which safety conditions apply (i.e. the first threshold distance and/or the second threshold distance).

[0119] In alternative embodiments, not depicted, the control device of the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1-3 may be a control system comprising the controller and the user interface, wherein the controller may be separate, e.g. remote from the user interface.

[0120] At least partly similar to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-4, but in an alternative embodiment, the user interface element may be an array of buttons. FIG. 5 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, said alternative user interface 61 according to the invention, which user interface 61 is comprising a user interface element 62 configured to control an operational parameter of an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device arranged at a disinfection location by providing a degree of control 63 in controlling said operational parameter. Here, the operational parameter is a type of ultraviolet light. The user interface 61 is thereby comprised by a control device 60. The control device 60 further comprises a controller 64.

[0121] The array of buttons thereby control the type of ultraviolet light provided by the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device. The array of buttons comprises a first button 621 controlling the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device to emit UV-A light. The array of buttons comprises a second button 622 controlling the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device to emit UV-B light. The array of buttons comprises a second button 623 controlling the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device to emit UV-C light. The controller 64 is configured to determine a spatial relation of the control device 60 relative to said ultraviolet light-based disinfection device and/or said disinfection location. The controller is further configured to change the degree of control 63 of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter based on said spatial relation. The spatial relation may e.g. be distance, or line-of-sight. The degree of control 63 is the option to select UV-A, UV-B, or UV-C with said button array 62. In further embodiments, the controller 64 changes the degree of control 63 of the user interface element 62 in controlling said operational parameter to a reduced degree of control 66 when the distance of the control device 60 relative to the disinfection location and/or disinfection device is above a first threshold distance and/or below a second threshold distance.

[0122] Here, the reduced degree of control 66 comprises limiting the set of options for controlling the operational parameter of the type of ultraviolet light to be provided by the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device. Namely, when the controller determines that the distance of the control device 10 relative to the disinfection location and/or disinfection device is above a first threshold distance and/or below a second threshold distance, the button array will only render the option of UV-A light. Hence, the control device can only control the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device to emit UV-A light by user selection of the user interface element 62.

[0123] Alternatively, said reduced degree of control may comprise adapting a graphical representation of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter. For example, a graphical representation of the user interface element may be made transparent, or greyed-out, such that the user interface element becomes less visible and noticeable for interfacing with it. For example, a graphical representation of the user interface element may comprise a strikethrough, indicative that said user interface element is not to be used. Similarly, for example, a graphical representation of the user interface element may comprise an alerting feature, indicative that said user interface element is not to be used. Yet alternatively, said reduced degree of control may comprise adapting a size of the user interface element, for example making the size of the user interface element smaller in the reduced degree of control.

[0124] Alternatively, said user interface element may be a voice input means for receiving voice control commands to control said operational parameter. For example, the voice input means may be a microphone. The voice control commands, which are receivable and processable by the voice input means and the controller of the control device at the degree of control, may mutatis mutandis to the button array mentioned above comprise turn to UV-A, turn to UV-B and/or turn to UV-C. The reduced degree of control may then comprise reducing the possible voice control commands, mutatis mutandis to the button array mentioned above, to only the voice control command turn to UV-A.

[0125] FIG. 6 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a system 700 according to the invention. The system 700 comprises an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 arranged at a disinfection location 81. The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 disinfects, in operation, said disinfection location 81 with ultraviolet light 82 having a lighting characteristic. The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 will then be operated at an operational parameter causing said lighting characteristic of the ultraviolet light 82.

[0126] Here, the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 is a mobile device, which may move from the current disinfection location 81 to another disinfection location in the future. The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 further comprises a light transmitter for transmitting a light signal in operation. Here, the light signal is infrared, but may alternatively be visible light. Said light transmitter may alternatively be a radiofrequency transmitter for emitting a radiofrequency signal, or ultrasound emitter for emitting an ultrasound signal. The light signal may thereby be coded for improved safety purposes. The light signal may comprise an identifier of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device. Said light signal may alternatively be encrypted. The light transmitter may either be housed in a same housing as the light sources of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device, but may also be separate and standalone, i.e. in a separate transmitter unit associated with the other components of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device.

[0127] The system 700 further comprises a control device 70. The control device 70 is configured to control the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80. Namely, the control device 70 comprises a wireless communication module to convey a control signal to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80, so as to control an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 with said control signal. The ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 may thereby comprise a communication module for receiving said control signal, or another signal indicative of, or comprising, said control signal. The wireless communication module is a transmitter, which transmits the control signal via a wireless communication modality. This wireless communication modality is Bluetooth, but may alternatively be any other wireless communication modality as mentioned in the present application.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 6, the control device 70 comprises a user interface 71, a light receiver 77, and a controller 74. The user interface 71 comprises a user interface element 72. The user interface 71 is an analogue user interface, which contains an array of mechanical switches. The user interface element is a binary switch 72 of said array of mechanical switches. For example, the control device comprising the user interface 71 may be a Philips Hue Switch. The binary switch 72 is configured to control an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device by providing a degree of control in controlling said operational parameter. Here, the operational parameter is ultraviolet light intensity of the ultraviolet light 82. The degree of control is binary. Namely, either increase or decrease the ultraviolet light intensity with said binary switch 72.

[0129] The light receiver 77 of the control device 70 is arranged to receive the light signal of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80. The controller 74 of the control device 70 is configured to determine a spatial relation of the control device 70 relative to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80. Here, the spatial relation is a line-of-sight between the control device 70 and the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80.

[0130] Hence, the controller 74 is configured to a line-of-sight condition 89, 89 between the control device 70 and the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80. This line-of-sight condition 89, 89 is also binary. Namely: The line-of-sight condition 89 is determined to have line-of-sight present between the control device 70 and the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 when the light receiver 77 is receiving the light signal of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80. The line-of-sight condition 89 is determined not to have line-of-sight present between the control device 70 and the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80 when the light receiver 77 is not receiving (anymore) the light signal of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80.

[0131] Moreover, still referring to FIG. 6, the controller 74 is configured to determine a line-of sight condition 89, 89 between the control device and the disinfection device, and to change the degree of control of the binary switch 72 in controlling said operational parameter to a reduced degree of control when the line-of-sight condition 89 comprises that no line-of sight is present between the control device 70 and the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80.

[0132] Here, the reduced degree of control is the controller disabling the user interface element 12, i.e. the binary switch 12, in controlling said operational parameter. Hence, the controller will not respond to any user interaction with said binary switch 12 when the line-of-sight condition 89 is that a line-of sight present between the control device 70 and the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device 80.

[0133] In alternative embodiments, said user interface element may be a voice input element, such as a microphone. The reduced degree of control may then comprise adapting the processing of a user (voice) input resulting from the voice input element, for example stopping processing said user (voice) input.

[0134] In alternative embodiments, vice versa, the light transmitter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device may be a light receiver, and the light receiver of the control device may be a light transmitter. The controller of the control device may then be in wireless communication with the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device, so as to determine said line-of-sight condition, i.e. whether the transmitted light signal is still able to be received.

[0135] Alternatively, said light transmitter and said light receiver may respectively be a radiofrequency transmitter and a radiofrequency receiver. In such an alternative embodiment, the line-of-sight condition may then comprise line-of-sight to be present when the radiofrequency signals are being able to be received by the radiofrequency receiver, and may then comprise the line-of-sight not to be present when the radiofrequency signals are not being received (anymore) by the radiofrequency receiver.

[0136] In an embodiment, not depicted, the invention provides the control device of the embodiments depicted in the FIGS. 1-6, but wherein the spatial relationship is not distance or line-of-sight, but a location classification. Namely, the controller of the control device may be configured to obtain a location classification signal.

[0137] The location classification signal may e.g. be obtained by the controller determining the location of the control device and matching said location to a location classification as stored in a local database, wherein the match renders said location classification signal. The location may thereby be determined via a location sensor in the control device itself, such as a GPS antenna or BLE antenna, or from a positioning/localization system providing said location to the control device wirelessly. For example, the location classification signal may be indicative of a certain space the control device is currently present in, which is the location classification. The location classification is for example a room, a corridor, a first room, a second room, an outdoor space, a disinfection location, etc. Thus, when the controller knows the location of the control device, said location classification signal and associated location classification can then also be determined.

[0138] Moreover, the location classification signal may in other examples be received by the control device from an external device. Said external device may e.g. be a sensor, a luminaire, an asset tracking system, a building management device, a room planning device, etc. The external device may thereby provide the control device, and the controller, with the location classification.

[0139] Upon determining the location classification, mutatis mutandis to the embodiments depicted in the FIGS. 1-6, the controller of the control device is configured to change the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter based on said location classification. For example, the degree of control may be a reduced degree of control according to the invention when the location classification is the disinfection location, and/or an outdoor space remote to the disinfection location, and/or a floor different to a floor associate with the disinfection location. For example, some rooms of a building may cause a reduced degree of control, compared to other rooms of said building.

[0140] FIG. 7 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a method 900 according to the invention. The method 900 relates to controlling an ultraviolet light-based disinfection device arranged at a disinfection location with a control device. The control device may be a control device according to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-6. The control device comprises a user interface element, wherein the user interface element is configured to control an operational parameter of the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device by providing a degree of control in controlling said operational parameter. The method 900 comprises the step 901 of determining a spatial relation of the control device relative to the ultraviolet light-based disinfection device and/or the disinfection location. The method 900 comprises the step 902 of changing the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter based on said spatial relation.

[0141] Thereby, said step 902 of changing the degree of control comprises changing the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter to a reduced degree of control when the distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location is above a first threshold distance and/or below a second threshold distance. Thereby, the second threshold distance is smaller than the first threshold distance, i.e. the second threshold distance is closer to the disinfection location than the first threshold distance.

[0142] Alternatively, or additionally, said step of changing may comprise to gradually reducing the degree of control of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter when the distance of the control device relative to the disinfection location increases.

[0143] Moreover, said step 902 of changing the degree of control to a reduced degree of control may comprise a step 902 of limiting the user interface element to a limited set of values or options for controlling said operational parameter. Moreover, said step 902 of changing the degree of control to a reduced degree of control may comprise a step 902 of disabling the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter. Moreover, said step 902 of changing the degree of control to a reduced degree of control may comprise a step 902 of adapting a graphical representation of the user interface element in controlling said operational parameter.